Nonprofit appoints first Chief Program Officer

PeopleNonprofit

Aug 28

Becky Canale with ZING
Photo courtesy of Paws With A Cause

Paws With A Cause (PAWS) has promoted Becky Canale to the newly created position of Chief Program Officer (CPO). In this expanded leadership role, Canale will oversee all aspects of PAWS’ Assistance Dog Program and Animal Assisted Services, including veterinary care, breeding, and foster puppy raising, ensuring a unified, compassionate, and client-centered approach across all programmatic functions.

Canale brings nearly three decades of experience and deep institutional knowledge to her new role. Since joining PAWS in 1995, she has served in a wide range of capacities, including staff trainer, field representative, and, most recently, as a long-standing leader in client services. Throughout her career, Canale has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to PAWS’ mission to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities through custom-trained working dogs.

“Becky’s dedication to our clients and deep expertise in every stage of the PAWS dog journey make her the ideal person to step into this critical leadership role,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of Paws With A Cause. “This position was created to ensure the heart of our work—our dogs, our programs, and the people we serve—are aligned and advancing together. Becky’s vision, empathy, and experience will help propel us forward.”

Canale holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in health care and a minor in nonprofit management from Rockhurst University, as well as an associate’s degree in child development from St. Gregory’s University. Before joining PAWS, she worked in early childhood education at Special Care, serving children from six weeks to kindergarten.

A resident of Kentwood, Michigan, Canale was also a founding member of West Michigan Therapy Dogs and actively competes in dog sports with her three beloved Labrador Retrievers.

“I’m honored to step into this new chapter at PAWS,” said Canale. “I’ve spent most of my professional life with this organization because I believe deeply in the transformative power of working dogs. This new role is an exciting opportunity to bring our programs into closer alignment so we can serve even more clients with excellence, compassion, and innovation.”

For more information, visit www.pawswithacause.org.

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